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The Super Falcons had a better and improved game on Tuesday night against the USA despite losing 2-1 to the Stars and Stripes in their final match of their US Tour, reports Megasportsarena.com.
The teams first met on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Americans got a 4-0 victory, with six starters missing from the Nigerian team because of injuries and visa issues.
The US women’s team benefitted from an own goal to extend the team’s unbeaten streak on American soil to 71 games, and Rose Lavelle scored the go-ahead goal leading to their 13th straight victory over Nigeria.
The own goal gave the United States an early lead in the 24th minute, but Nigeria equalized on Uchenna Kanu’s score after the break.
It was the first goal that the United States has conceded this year. The goal also snapped a nine-game shutout streak for the American ladies.
The United States pulled back in front with Lavelle’s goal off a cross from Megan Rapinoe in the 66th minute. It was Lavelle’s fourth goal of the year.
Both teams are preparing for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The United States qualified for the World Cup at the CONCACAF W Championship in July. The team won the tournament title to also secure a berth in the 2024 Olympics.
The U.S. has won the last two World Cups and has four titles overall.
Nigeria, one of the most successful women’s teams in Africa, qualified for the 2023 World Cup by advancing to the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in July. The Super Falcons finished fourth in the tournament.
Nigeria has advanced to every World Cup since the tournament started in 1991. Currently, the team is coached by Randy Waldrum, former coach of the NWSL’s Houston Dash.
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